On Saturday 25th April Grand Master Nicholls travelled down to the Bristol area for what has become a Bi-annual Region 7 seminar, grading & banquet. Master Don Deedigan was also in attendance to give his usual support to the region & Master Nicholls.

The session was well supported with nearly 100 members ranging from 4th kup to 6th degree in attendance to soak up Grand Master Nicholls knowledge & experience. Master Deedigan started the seminar with a brisk warm – up preparing all the students for the kinetic blocking & kicking that Grand Master Nicholls was about to unleash on us! There was much attention & detail given to how we should deliver blocks, focusing on the rotation & reaction of the wrists. This was followed by some ferocious kicking drills where we were asked to rely on our balance & core stability to hold our chamber positions & then explode into a number or kicks ranging from ap chabusigi to bandae dollyo chagi. As usual the two hours flew by.

The seminar was concluded with the customary group photos.

After a short break a nervous few were ready to be tested for new degree grades. Some were starting their degree career by going for the 1st degree, but also we had a few going for more senior grades of 4th degree. All were being tested under the watchful eyes of Grand Master Nicholls IX, Master Deedigan VII & Miss Burridge VI. After 4 hours of demonstrating patterns, set sparring, self defence, sparring, & power breaking Grand Master Nicholls lead a motivational talk & all were relieved to go home & relax to await their results.

As usual it was then a quick dash off to the local Ship inn to prepare for the evening banquet. Everyone was dressed in their best looking forward to a three course meal in the company of Grand Master Nicholls & Master Deedigan. Grand Master Nicholls made his customary speech after the meal & then presented degree belts to some of the surprised students who had graded earlier that day. Lots of photo’s of the new belts along with friends, family, instructors & the Masters then took place & everyone relaxed to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Many thanks & congratulations go to all that made the day possible & we look forward to our next seminar with Grand Master Nicholls which is scheduled for Sat 10th October 2015.

UK ITF Instructors are accredited by the British Taekwondo Council, national governing body for Taekwondo in the UK, which includes DBS/PVG Scheme Enhanced certification, insurance and continued professional development